My friends would generally describe me as calm, level, curious, reflective, and easy-going. I can be a little reserved at first, but when I warm up to people I enjoy getting to know them and having interesting conversations or doing fun things. As an introvert, I socialize more/better in smaller groups rather than larger ones.

For me, Couchsurfing is part of my larger goal of encountering new people and cultures, having broadening experiences, and understanding the world a little bit better. I like having conversations with people about personal, philosophical, scientific and practical topics. I especially enjoy hearing people's stories and experiences and sharing my own, in addition to talking about my passions (self-improvement, cognitive enhancement, nutrition, language, travel, entrepreneurship, books) or others'. I'm especially interested in Asian cultures and religions (especially Buddhism). Regardless of my interest in such serious topics, I enjoy lighthearted conversation as well. :)

I like having adventures when I travel, though sometimes I also just like to relax. I love both dense cities and natural environments, like beaches and mountains. I loved my experiences in the jungles and mountains of Costa Rica as much as those in the middle of Tokyo.

I don't have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, and I think one of the most enjoyable things about exploring a new culture is trying their unique cuisine. I also cook myself and look for opportunities to add to my repertoire of recipes. Also, though I do drink socially, I don't smoke.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on Couchsurfing because of the opportunities it provides for travel, lodging, connecting with new people, and so forth.

I'm flexible regarding how I spend time with my hosts. If you're busy and don't have much time, I don't mind keeping to myself or exploring on my own. If you want to chat or hang out, I enjoy doing that as well. Let me know how you like to do things. :)

Interests

I love learning new languages and cultures, especially people within those cultures. Learning languages is one of my biggest passions. I also like cooking, reading, exploring new places, and have a strong interest in Buddhism and Eastern religions in general.

• culture
• books
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• drinking
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• buddhist
• entrepreneurship
• languages
• religion
• beaches
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I like EDM and various other electronic artists, as well as symphonic music.

My favorite movies are those that have given me new ideas or helped me to see things in a different way--movies like The Matrix, The Fountain, Blade Runner, Fight Club, Ex Machina, Her, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, etc.

I read a lot and love science fiction, some fantasy, books about technology, history, and some horror novels. I enjoy some novels from Japan and China also, like 1Q84 and Three-Body Problem.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of my favorite experiences was studying abroad in Japan. I loved being immersed in the language and culture there, getting to know people with backgrounds and lives so different from my own, and making new friends.

Teach, Learn, Share

I have conducted extensive research into nutrition, cognitive enhancement, and optimal methods of language learning and would be happy to share anything I know in those areas.

English is my native language and I have some experience tutoring it. I'd be happy to share my knowledge or time in this area as well.

I'm currently studying Mandarin Chinese and would love opportunities to practice it. I'm also looking for opportunities to work in Asia.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Costa Rica, Japan

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United States